BBC Young Dancer returns as 2019 category finalists announced

BBC Young Dancer 2019 today unveiled the 20 talented young dancers who have made it through to the Category Finals of the prestigious competition.

Presented by Ore Oduba and Anita Rani, the Category Finals will be broadcast on BBC Four throughout April and May in the lead up to the Grand Final, which will be broadcast live for the first time from Birmingham Hippodrome on BBC Two on 18 May.

One winner from each category will be selected to receive a specially commissioned trophy, £1,000 towards furthering their dance studies and a place in the Grand Final - together with one ‘wild card’ from across the Category Finals who impressed the judges with their potential, despite not winning their category.

As well as being a contest and showcase, BBC Young Dancer 2019 is committed to providing all the finalists with a rich experience that stands them in good stead for the future as they continue their dance education. This year’s BBC Young Dancer has once again been working in collaboration with Sadler’s Wells to provide expert advice and support across the competition’s four categories.

Emma Cahusac, Commissioning Editor, Arts and Music Television, says: 
“BBC Young Dancer 2019 has taken the search for the next generation of dance talent to new heights. We are genuinely excited for audiences to see for themselves the stellar standard reached by all our incredible finalists this year.

"BBC Arts provides a platform for new talent and previous Young Dancer winners Connor Scott and Nafisah Baba’s dance careers continue to go from strength to strength. The BBC Young Dancer 2019 trophy awaits what will be another exceptional winner.”

Paul Bullock, Executive Editor, BBC Young Dancer, says: “We’re thrilled to be returning with a third series of BBC Young Dancer and once more showcasing the very best young dance talent from across the UK.

"Since launching BBC Young Dancer back in 2015, we’ve been committed to providing a platform for these dedicated and talented young people, whilst also providing an environment in which they can develop and thrive. The creativity and passion that all the dancers bring to the competition is always inspiring and it’s exciting to see them working with some of the UK’s leading dance professionals and going from strength to strength.

"The talent this year has been extremely high and we can’t wait to provide a platform for them to be seen in the coming weeks.”

Jonzi D (Cross Category Judge) adds: 
“It’s been a joy to witness the future of UK dance! The finalists performed with great skill, purpose and imagination. All the dancers were focused and worked diligently on their solos and duets. They expressed a deep understanding of their chosen technique, and proudly represented it on stage.”

Presenter Ore Oduba says:
“I can’t wait to take to the stage again for BBC Young Dancer, and reunite with my friend Anita to present this amazing competition. Dance has become such a huge part of my life, and for our finalists this is an opportunity that could change theirs. To watch the best young talent in the country competing for the top prize... well, it’s going to be both exhilarating and inspiring at the same time!”

Presenter Anita Rani says:
"I’m so excited to be returning to host BBC Young Dancer and I feel honoured to be able to witness first-hand the amazing young dancing talent we have in this country. Ore and I are big fans of dance and I can’t wait to see what this year’s BBC Young Dancer competition has in store for us. I’ve got a sneaky suspicion we’re going to be blown away! It’s a privilege to watch talented young people who are dedicated to their art form.”

Category Finalists

Ballet:
Chloe Keneally - age 18 (London)
Hollie Smith - age 18 (West Yorkshire)
Louis Fukuhara - age 20 (Glasgow)
Danila Marzilli - age 19 (Glasgow)
Keiko Tsuchiya - age 17 (London)

Contemporary:
Max Cookward - age 19 (Leeds)
Adanna Lawrence - age 20 (London)
Hannah Connor - age 21 (Leicester)
Matthew Rawcliffe - age 19 (Manchester)
Hana Kato - age 19 (London)

South Asian:
Aishani Ghosh - age 18 (Birmingham)
Mahika Gautam - age 18 (London)
Sundaresan Ramesh - age 19 (London)
Tulani Kayani-Skeef - age 19 (London)
Shree Savani - age 20 (Loughborough)

Street Dance:
Thomas Carsley - age 22 (Neath)
Louie Juster Age - age 21 (Derbyshire)
Christian Griffin - age 20 (Birmingham)
Kate Morris - age 20 (Mid Glamorgan)
Max Revell - age 20 (Cornwall)


Airdates:
Friday 19 April, BBC Four - South Asian Category Final
Friday 26 April, BBC Four - Contemporary Category Final
Friday 3 May, BBC Four - Ballet Category Final
Friday 10 May, BBC Four - Street Dance Category Final
Saturday 18 May, BBC Two – LIVE GRAND FINAL